Fullerton hotel replaces lawn with artificial turf

FULLERTON, Calif. (KABC) -- The Hotel Fullerton will be saving 1.3 million gallons of water per year after removing all of their grass lawns and replacing it with artificial turf.

"We're just so excited to make this change for the better. Not only are we elevating the guest experience for our guests, but, at the same time, we're doing our part to save and conserve the environment," said Yogini Geria of Hotel Fullerton.

At a news conference held at the hotel Wednesday, officials pointed out how just four square feet of real grass needs 240 gallons of water to survive in a year.

Actor Edward James Olmos says it's time for all of us to part with our lush green lawns.

"Stop pouring water on the ground. Stop it. Maybe it'll take for us to open the key to our faucet one day in our house and there be no water," Olmos said.

The artificial turf at The Hotel Fullerton was installed by Five Star Turf. Robert Groot, the general manager of Five Star Turf, says the turf, which costs about $8 to $10 a square foot, should last quite a while.

"It's going to depend on traffic and use, but typically it's expected to last 15 to 20 years," Groot said.

If you remove your grass and replace it with artificial turf or even drought-tolerant planting, you can earn a rebate from your water company. That rebate can be anywhere from $2 to $3.75 a square foot.

The Hotel Fullerton received a rebate check of $42,730. The city of Fullerton likes the look of the hotel so much they're planning a similar look for parks and schools.

"We want our kids to have a safe, quality place to play, and so when you're playing soccer on a dirt field it's no fun and it's not safe," said Fullerton Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Fitzgerald.

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